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Uganda Wildlife Adventures,
Uganda Wildlife Safaris, Uganda Tours
Introduction to Uganda
Known as Switzerland of Africa due to
its sheer physical beauty, Uganda covers 235,80 sq.km,
including National Parks abounding in wildlife and magnificent
lake and mountain scenery. Kampala, the capital, is
well connected by road and rail and is 35 km from Entebbe
International Airport. Uganda, in the heart of East
Africa, is full of the wonders of nature. With landscapes
that range from snow capped peaks through broad savannah,
rainforests to arid semi-desert, as well as wetlands
of international importance.
Located on the western side of the Great
Rift Valley, Uganda benefits from Flora and Fauna species
of both East and West Africa in addition to having a
wide variety of indigenous species. In western Uganda,
the mountain ranges of the Rwenzoris and Virungas extend
into the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo,
formerly Zaire. On the eastern border lies Mount Elgon,
an ancient, extinct volcano. A third of Uganda is covered
by water. The many lakes and rivers include Lake Victoria,
the largest lake in Africa, and the River Nile from
its legendary source. In contrast, northern Uganda is
arid, giving rise to special types of Flora and Fauna
not found elsewhere.
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The wildlife to be seen in Uganda is sensational.
The eco-friendly tourist industry and on-going conservation
projects have ensured constantly increasing animal populations.
Ornithologists come from around the world to view the
more than 3000 species of birds. Anglers too can enjoy
an abundance of fish in our many waters including the
giant Nile Perch and the fighting Tiger Fish. Uganda
currently hastens National Parks as well as many protected
game and forest reserves. The following are the footnotes
about Uganda's National Parks and additional areas including
Virunga N. P. in neighbouring Congo where gorilla trekking
is possible. Approximate distances to park headquarters
and driving times from Kampala are listed for your information.
Uganda Cities and Towns,
Travel in Uganda
KAMPALA
This is the capital city with 750,000
inhabitants and the largest in Uganda. Situated on seven
major hills, several areas command fantastic views of
the surroundings, including Lake Victoria.
Kampala is the political and commercial
hub of Uganda, and the people are friendly and communicative.
It is easy to move about the city centre and, surprisingly,
the visitor does not need to be overly concerned about
security.
A guided tour will point out the highlights including
Kasubi tombs, Makerere University and other areas of
cultural interest. After a city tour, we recommend at
least half a day for shopping and exploring on your
own. This will let you meet the friendly indigenous
people and get a true feeling of life in a large African
city.
ENTEBBE
This city, best known for Uganda's International
Airport in the movie "Raid on Entebbe' remains
a sleepy town. Entebbe means seat in the local language,
Luganda and indeed, was the seat of the colonial government
prior to Independence in 1962.
The Botanical Gardens, located here, acted as the backdrop
for several Tarzan movies. This reserve on the shores
of Lake Victoria still has a tremendous variety of flora.
Adjacent to the gardens is the Uganda Wildlife Education
Centre, where lost and wounded animals are rehabilitated.
It takes about 45 minutes to travel the 37kms from the
airport to Kampala. The road winds near the lakeshore
in several places and passes through many villages.
JINJA
This city was previously the industrial
capital of Uganda. It is best known for the source of
the Nile at the now submerged Rippon Falls. Owen Falls
Dam, located just downstream from the source of the
Nile, provides power for Uganda and parts of Kenya.
Nearby is Bujagali Falls, where several rapids are situated
close together. From here enjoy the scenery or take
a white water rafting trip on the mighty Nile.
Some Uganda Travel Itineraries
Other Information on Uganda
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